Communication apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling a communication apparatus includes receiving a transmission destination, acquiring identification information of a user who inputs a transmission destination of image data, requesting identification information of a checker for the transmission destination, acquiring the requested checker identification information, and storing the acquired user identification information and the acquired checker identification information as transmission history information of the image data.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a communication apparatus, a methodfor controlling the communication apparatus, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, if a user specifies an incorrect transmissiondestination at the time of image transmission from a communicationapparatus, such as a facsimile machine, image data will be transmittedto an unintended communication partner.

To prevent such mistransmission, the user transmitting image data from acommunication apparatus leads another user to the communicationapparatus, and another user visually confirms the contents of an inputtransmission destination as a checker.

In a conventional technique discussed in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2007-258946, an input destination is transmitted to afacsimile server, and facsimile transmission is performed on conditionthat the destination is confirmed through an operation on a terminalconnected to the facsimile server.

In the conventional technique, it is not easy to check afterwards whohas confirmed the transmission destination of image data as a checker.

If a checker confirms a transmission destination, put the checker'ssignature, e.g., stamp their personal seal, to a record book asevidence, and manages the record book, it becomes possible to checkafterwards who has confirmed a transmission destination as a checker foreach transmission job. In this case, however, it is troublesome toprepare a record book and manage the signed record book.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, a communicationapparatus includes an input unit configured to receive a transmissiondestination from a user, a first acquisition unit configured to acquireidentification information of a user who inputs a transmissiondestination of image data via the input unit, a requesting unitconfigured to request identification information of a checker of thetransmission destination, a second acquisition unit configured toacquire identification information of a checker which is requested bythe requesting unit, and a storage unit configured to store theidentification information of the user acquired by the first acquisitionunit and the identification information of the checker acquired by thesecond acquisition unit, as transmission history information of theimage data.

Further features will become apparent from the following description ofexemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of acommunication system according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operation unit according to the present exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are diagrams illustrating operation screensaccording to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a user database according to thepresent exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are diagrams illustrating operation screensaccording to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams illustrating operation screensaccording to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a transmission result databaseaccording to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control according tothe present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a transmission history display screenaccording to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a transmission result report accordingto the present exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of acommunication system including a multi function peripheral (MFP) 100 asan example of a communication apparatus according to the presentexemplary embodiment.

The MFP 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes acentral processing unit (CPU) 101, a read only memory (ROM) 102, arandom access memory (RAM) 103, an operation unit 104, a hard disk drive(HDD) 105, a card reader 106, a timer 107, a modem 108, a networkcontrol unit (NCU) 109, a network interface card (NIC) 110, a scanner111, and a printer 112. The MFP 100 is connected with a telephone 113.

The MFP 100 is connected with a MFP 150 via a private branch exchangingsystem 180 and communicates with the MFP 150 connected to an extensionvia the private branch exchanging system 180. The MFP 100 communicateswith an MFP 160 via the private branch exchanging system 180 and apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 190.

The CPU 101 integrally controls the MFP 100 by loading a program storedin the ROM 102 or the HDD 105 into the RAM 103 and then executing theprogram.

The ROM 102 stores programs to be read and executed by the CPU 101.

The RAM 103 functions as a work area for the CPU 101. The RAM 103 storesdata and a program read by the CPU 101.

The operation unit 104 includes hardware keys and a display unitprovided with a touch panel. The operation unit 104 displays operationscreens and statuses of the MFP 100 on the display unit. The operationunit 104 receives an operation from a user via the hardware keys or thetouch panel.

The HDD 105 is a mass storage nonvolatile memory for storing programsand image data. A Blu-ray disc or a solid state drive (SSD) can be usedinstead of the HDD 105.

The card reader 106 is an integrated circuit (IC) card reader forwirelessly reading information in an IC card that is brought close tothe card reader 106 by the user. The IC card reader can be replaced witha system for reading information from a magnetic tape on a card. Thecard reader 106 is provided to the MFP 100 as an optional apparatuswhich is detachably attached to the MFP 100.

The timer 107 manages the present time.

The modem 108 modulates and demodulates a signal subjected to facsimilecommunication. More specifically, the modem 108 modulates data to betransmitted from the MFP 100 by facsimile and demodulates data receivedby facsimile.

The NCU 109 exchanges information with the private branch exchangingsystem 180 based on a predetermined procedure. For example, the NCU 109transmits and receives a dial signal to enable the MFP 100 to performcommunication via the PSTN 190.

The NIC 110 controls network communication performed by the MFP 100 viaa local area network (LAN) 120. The MFP 100 performs networkcommunication with external personal computers (PCs) and MFPs via theNIC 110 and the LAN 120.

The scanner 111 reads an image of a document sheet placed on a documentpositioning plate to generate image data representing the image of theread document sheet. The scanner 111 has an auto document feeder (ADF)for sequentially conveying a plurality of sheets one by one. When usingthe ADF, the scanner 111 reads an image of a document sheet conveyed bythe ADF to generate image data representing the image of the documentsheet. The generated image data is stored in the HDD 105.

The printer 112 feeds a sheet and prints an image on the fed sheet.Image printing is performed based on image data of the document sheetread by the scanner 111, image data received via the NCU 109, or imagedata received via the LAN 120.

The MFPs 150 and 160 have a similar configuration to the configurationof the MFP 100, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The private branch exchanging system 180 receives a call from the MFP100. If an external call number is added to the header of thedestination, the private branch exchanging system 180 makes a call tothe PSTN 190. If an external call number is not added to the header ofthe destination, the private branch exchanging system 180 makes a callto the MFP 150.

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation unit 104 illustrated in FIG. 1.

The operation unit 104 includes a key input unit 201 for receiving auser operation via hardware keys, and a touch panel unit 202 forreceiving a user operation via software keys.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the key input unit 201 is provided with anoperation unit power switch 203. When the user presses the operationunit power switch 203 while the MFP 100 is in the standby mode (normaloperation state), the CPU 101 switches the mode of the MFP 100 from thestandby mode to the sleep mode, in which power consumption is smallerthan power consumption in the normal operation state. When the userpresses the operation unit power switch 203 while the MFP 100 is in thesleep mode, the CPU 101 switches the mode of the MFP 100 from the sleepmode to the standby mode.

A start key 205 is a key for receiving from the user, for example, aninstruction for instructing the MFP 100 to execute a copy job or atransmission job.

The stop key 204 is a key for receiving from the user, for example, aninstruction for interrupting a copy job or a transmission job currentlybeing executed.

Numeric keypads 206 are keys for receiving from the user, for example,the setting of the number of copies and a telephone number.

The touch panel unit 202 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) unitand a touch panel sheet consisting of transparent electrodes stuck onthe LCD unit. The LCD displays operation screens and statuses of the MFP100. The touch panel sheet is used to receive an operation from the userwhen an operation screen is displayed on the LCD.

The user operates the operation unit 104 to input a destination andpresses the start key 205 to request the MFP 100 to execute atransmission job. Examples of the transmission job include atransmission job for transmitting to the LAN 120 by E-mail the imagedata that is generated by reading an image of a document sheet using thescanner 111. Another example of the transmission job is a transmissionjob for transmitting by facsimile via the NCU 109 the image datagenerated by reading an image of a document sheet using the scanner 111.The present exemplary embodiment will be described below using facsimiletransmission as an example of the transmission job.

Upon receipt of a facsimile transmission instruction, the MFP 100instructs the scanner 111 to read an image of a document sheet togenerate image data and performs facsimile transmission of the generatedimage data via the NCU 109.

If the user inputs a wrong destination, the image data will betransmitted to an unintended destination.

Therefore, in the MFP 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment,another user, i.e., checker, who is different from the user as a senderconfirms the input destination. The checker inputs the checker'sidentification information to the MFP 100. Then, upon input of thechecker's identification information, the MFP 100 transmits the imagedata.

This enables preventing the occurrence of mistransmission.

The MFP 100 stores the checker's identification information in the HDD105 as history information to allow the history information to beprinted afterwards. This enables easily identifying afterwards a personwho confirmed the transmission destination as a checker for eachtransmission job.

The above-described procedure enables, even without performing acomplicated procedure in which the checker signs a record book andmanages the signed record book, easily confirming afterwards a personwho confirmed the transmission destination of image data as a checker,by operating the MFP 100.

This also enables checking afterwards whether a checker, other than thesender, has confirmed the destination for each transmission job.

Processing associated with the above-described discussion will bedescribed in detail below.

<Login Processing>

A login procedure performed by the sender to log into the MFP 100 willbe described below with reference to FIG. 3. The processing in theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 is implemented in such a manner that theCPU 101 loads a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and thenexecutes the program.

The processing in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 3 is started whenthe MFP 100 is activated and in a state that the user logs out of theMFP 100.

In step S3010, the CPU 101 determines whether the card reader 106 isconnected to the MFP 100. In a case where the CPU 101 determines thatthe card reader 106 is connected (YES in step S3010), the processingproceeds to step S3020. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that thecard reader 106 is not connected (NO in step S3010), the processingproceeds to step S3080.

In step S3020, the CPU 101 displays on the operation unit 104 a loginscreen prompting the user to touch the card reader 106 with a card. FIG.4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. A loginscreen 401 displays a message “touch card reader with IC card”.

In step S3030, the CPU 101 determines whether an IC card is broughtclose to the card reader 106. A noncontact IC card can be used as an ICcard. When the IC card is brought close to the card reader 106 and thedistance between the IC card and the card reader 106 becomes apredetermined distance, an IC chip in the IC card wirelesslycommunicates with the card reader 106. When the card reader 106 detectsthat wireless communications is performed, the card reader 106 notifiesthe CPU 101 of the completion of the wireless communication. Then, theCPU 101 determines that the IC card is brought in proximity to the cardreader 106. When the CPU 101 determines that the IC card is not broughtin proximity to the card reader 106 (NO in step S3030), the CPU 101repeats processing in step S3030 until the IC card is brought inproximity to the card reader 106. When the CPU 101 determines that theIC card is brought in proximity to the card reader 106 (YES in stepS3030), the processing proceeds to step S3040.

In step S3040, the CPU 101 wirelessly communicates with the IC cardbrought in proximity to the card reader 106, acquires from the IC cardthe user name stored in the IC card, and stores the user name in the RAM103.

In step S3050, the CPU 101 authenticates the user based on the user nameacquired in step S3040. More specifically, the CPU 101 authenticates theuser by determining whether the user name acquired in step S3040 isregistered in a user database 501 illustrated in FIG. 5. The userdatabase 501 is stored in the HDD 105 and is referenced by the CPU 101.The user database 501 includes user identifier (ID), user name, andpassword. It is desirable from a security viewpoint to encrypt thesepieces of information before storing them in the HDD 105 and to decryptthem when they are read from the HDD 105.

If the user name acquired in step S3040 and stored in the RAM 103 isregistered in the user database 501, user authentication succeeds. Ifthe user name acquired in step S3040 and stored in the RAM 103 is notregistered in the user database 501, user authentication fails.

In step S3080 (NO in step S3010), the CPU 101 displays a user name inputscreen for inputting a user name on the operation unit 104. FIG. 4B is adiagram illustrating an example of a user name input screen. A user nameinput screen 402 displays a message “input user name”, a user name inputarea 403, and an OK button 404. When the user selects the user nameinput area 403, a software keyboard for inputting alphanumericcharacters is displayed. The user inputs a user name via the softwarekeyboard.

In step S3090, the CPU 101 determines whether a user name is input. In acase where the user does not press the OK button 404 (NO in step S3090),the CPU 101 repeats the processing in step S3090 until the OK button 404is pressed. In a case where the user presses the OK button 404 (YES instep S3090), the CPU 101 stores in the RAM 103 the user name input inthe user name input area 403. Then, the processing proceeds to stepS3100.

In step S3100, the CPU 101 displays a password input screen forinputting a password on the operation unit 104. FIG. 4C is a diagramillustrating an example of a password input screen. A password inputscreen 405 displays a message “input user password”, a password inputarea 406, and an OK button 407. When the user selects the password inputarea 406, the software keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters isdisplayed. The user inputs a password via the software keyboard.

In step S3110, the CPU 101 determines whether a password is input. In acase where the user does not press the OK button 407 (NO in step S3110),the CPU 101 repeats processing in step S3110 until the OK button 407 ispressed. In a case where the user presses the OK button 407 (YES in stepS3110), the CPU 101 stores the input password in the RAM 103. Then, theprocessing proceeds to step S3120.

In step S3120, the CPU 101 authenticates the user based on the user nameand the password stored in the RAM 103. More specifically, the CPU 101authenticates the user by determining whether the user name and thepassword stored in the RAM 103 are registered in the user database 501illustrated in FIG. 5. When the user name and the password stored in theRAM 103 matches ones registered in the user database 501, userauthentication succeeds. When the user name and the password stored inthe RAM 103 are not registered in the user database 501, userauthentication fails.

In step S3060, the CPU 101 determines whether user authentication hassucceeded or failed. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that theuser authentication has succeeded (YES in step S3060), the processingproceeds to step S3070. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that userauthentication has failed (NO in step S3060), the processing proceeds tostep S3130.

In step S3070, the CPU 101 allows the authenticated user to log into theMFP 100 and to use the MFP 100. Then, the CPU 101 displays a job settingscreen on the operation unit 104.

In step S3130 (NO in step S3060), the CPU 101 displays on the operationunit 104 an error screen indicating that authentication has failed.

This completes the login processing.

<Executing Transmission Job and Storing Transmission History>

After logging into the MFP 100, the user sets a transmission job via adisplayed job setting screen. The job setting screen for setting atransmission job can be displayed immediately after user login to theMFP 100. Alternatively, the job setting screen can be displayed uponselection of the transmission function from a function selection screenafter user login to the MFP 100.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the user logsinto the MFP 100, executes a transmission job, and stores the historyinformation of the transmission job. The processing in the flowchartillustrated in FIG. 6 is implemented in such a manner that the CPU 101loads a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and then executesthe program.

In step S6010, the CPU 101 displays the job setting screen on theoperation unit 104. The MFP 100 displays the job setting screen forsetting a copy job, the job setting screen for setting an E-mailtransmission job, and the job setting screen for setting a facsimiletransmission job. The present exemplary embodiment will be describedbelow using an example of processing that is performed after the jobsetting screen for setting a facsimile transmission job is displayed.

In step S6015, the CPU 101 receives a destination and detailed settingsvia the job setting screen. FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating an exampleof a job setting screen. A job setting screen 410 is a transmission jobsetting screen. The transmission job setting screen 410 includes adestination input area 411, a paper size setting field 412, a resolutionsetting field 413, a paper orientation setting field 414, and a startkey 415. The destination input area 411 is used to set a transmissiondestination of image data. The paper size setting field 412 is used toset the size of the paper to be used at the destination. The resolutionsetting field 413 is used to set the transmission resolution of imagedata. The paper orientation setting field 414 is used to set theorientation of the paper to be used at the destination.

The user touches the destination input area 411 and operates the numerickeypads 206 to input a destination. The user can change detailedsettings as required. For example, the user can change the resolutionsetting field 413 from 200 dpi×200 dpi to 400 dpi×400 dpi. The changedsettings are stored in the HDD 105 by the CPU 101. Detailed settings arenot limited to those illustrated in FIG. 9A and can include othersettings such as switching between memory transmission and directtransmission.

In step S6020, the CPU 101 determines whether the start key 205 as ahardware key or the start key 415 as a software key is pressed. In acase where neither the start key 205 nor the start key 415 is pressed(NO in step S6020), the CPU 101 repeats the processing in step S6020until either the start key 205 or the start key 415 is pressed. In acase where the start key 205 or the start key 415 is pressed (YES instep S6020), the CPU 101 determines that a transmission request isreceived. Then, the processing proceeds to step S6030.

In step S6030, the CPU 101 determines whether the destination input in adestination input field 411 is an external line or an extension. When acall is made to an external line, the external line number generallystarts with 00, which is a combination of the external call number 0 andthe starting number 0 of the area code. In a case where the destinationinput in the destination input field 411 starts with 00, the CPU 101determines that the destination is an external line (YES in step S6030).In a case where the destination input in the destination input field 411starts with a number other than 00, the CPU 101 determines that thedestination is an extension (NO in step S6030). Alternatively, the CPU101 can determine that the destination is an external line in a casewhere the number of digits of the destination is more than apredetermined number. The CPU 101 can determine that the destination isan extension in a case where the number of digits of the destination isless than the predetermined number. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the destination input in the destination input field 411is an external line (YES in step S6030), the processing proceeds to stepS6040. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the destination inputin the destination input field 411 is an extension (NO in step S6030),the processing skips step S6040 and proceeds to step S6050.

In step S6040, the CPU 101 performs processing for prompting the checkerto confirm the destination and the transmission target image. Theprocessing in step S6040 will be described below with reference to theflowchart illustrated in FIG. 7. The processing in the flowchartillustrated in FIG. 7 is implemented in such a manner that the CPU 101loads a program stored in the ROM 102 into the RAM 103 and then executesthe program.

In step S7010, the CPU 101 displays a confirmation screen, an example ofwhich is illustrated in FIG. 9B, on the operation unit 104. Aconfirmation screen 430 is a screen for prompting the checker to confirmthe destination and the image.

The confirmation screen 430 includes check boxes 431 and 432. Theconfirmation screen 430 also includes an OK button 433 and a cancelbutton 434. In the initial state, both the check boxes 431 and 432 areunchecked. In the confirmation screen 430, the OK button 433 is grayedout or disabled. After the checker confirms that the destination inputby the sender is correct, the checker selects the check box 431. Whenthe check box 431 is selected, the CPU 101 displays a check mark for thecheck box 431. After the checker confirms that the document set to thescanner 111 by the sender is correct, the checker selects the check box432 and the CPU 101 displays a check mark for the check box 432. Thus,the checker checks whether the destination and the document have beenconfirmed.

In step S7015, the CPU 101 determines whether the cancel button 434 ispressed. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the cancel button434 is pressed (YES in step S7015), the processing proceeds to stepS6010 illustrated in FIG. 6. In a case where the CPU 101 determines thatthe cancel button 434 is not pressed (NO in step S7015), the processingproceeds to step S7020.

In step S7020, the CPU 101 determines whether the OK button 433 ispressed. In a case where the OK button 433 is not pressed (NO in stepS7020), the processing proceeds to step S7030. In a case where the OKbutton 433 is pressed (YES in step S7020), the processing proceeds tostep S7050.

In step S7030, the CPU 101 determines whether all of the check boxes areselected. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that all of the checkboxes are selected (YES in step S7030), the processing proceeds to stepS7040. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that either one of thecheck boxes is not selected (NO in step S7030), the processing returnsto step S7015.

In step S7040, the CPU 101 enables the OK button 433. FIG. 9C is adiagram illustrating a confirmation screen displayed on the operationunit 104 at this time. Then, the processing proceeds to step S7015. Inthe present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 101 provides an inquiry promptto the checker about whether the user confirmed the destination and thetransmission target document. The CPU 101 inhibits image datatransmission by disabling the confirmation screen from shifting to thenext screen, until the checker confirms using the check boxes. Thisenables preventing the checker from forgetting to confirm thedestination and the document.

In step S7050 (YES in step S7020), the CPU 101 determines whether thecard reader 106 is connected to the MFP 100. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the card reader 106 is connected to the MFP 100 (YES instep S7050), the processing proceeds to step S7060. In a case where theCPU 101 determines that the card reader 106 is not connected to the MFP100 (NO in step S7050), the processing proceeds to step S7120.

In step S7060, the CPU 101 displays a checker authentication screen, anexample of which is illustrated in FIG. 10A, on the operation unit 104.A checker authentication screen 440 includes a cancel button 441. Whenthe checker views the checker authentication screen 440, the checkerbrings an IC card held by the checker in proximity to the card reader106.

In step S7070, the CPU 101 determines whether the IC card is inproximity to the card reader 106. The method of determination is similarto the method in step S3030. In a case where the CPU 101 determines thatthe IC card is not in proximity to the card reader 106 (NO in stepS7070), the processing proceeds to step S7080. In a case where the CPU101 determines that the IC card is in proximity to the card reader 106(YES in step S7070), the processing proceeds to step S7090.

In step S7080, the CPU 101 determines whether the cancel button 441illustrated in FIG. 10A is pressed. In a case where the CPU 101determines that cancel button 441 is not pressed (NO in step S7080), theprocessing proceeds to step S7070. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the cancel button 441 is pressed (YES in step S7080),the processing proceeds to step S6010 illustrated in FIG. 6. In thiscase, the CPU 101 can cancel the set destination and detailed settingsand set them to the default values, or leave the destination anddetailed settings without cancelling them and accept changes ofsettings.

In step S7090, the CPU 101 wirelessly communicates with the IC card inproximity to acquire from the IC card the checker name stored in the ICcard, and stores the checker name in the RAM 103.

This completes the method for acquiring the checker's identificationinformation using an IC card.

In step S7120 (NO in step S7050), the CPU 101 displays a checker nameinput screen illustrated in FIG. 10B on the operation unit 104. Thechecker name input screen 442 includes a checker name input area 443, anOK button 444, and a cancel button 445. When the user selects thechecker name input area 443, the software keyboard for inputtingalphanumeric characters is displayed. The user inputs a user name viathe software keyboard.

In step S7130, the CPU 101 determines whether a checker name is input.The CPU 101 determines that the checker name is input upon selection ofthe OK button 444. In a case where the checker name is not input (NO instep S7130), the CPU 101 repeats the processing in step S7130 until thechecker name is input. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that thechecker name is input (YES in step S7130), the processing proceeds tostep S7140. If the cancel button 445 is pressed, the processing canproceed to step S6010 illustrated in FIG. 6.

In step S7140, the CPU 101 displays a password input screen 450illustrated in FIG. 10C on the operation unit 104. The password inputscreen 450 includes a password input field 451, an OK button 452, and acancel button 453. When the user selects the password input field 451,the software keyboard for inputting alphanumeric characters isdisplayed. The user inputs a user name via the software keyboard.

In step S7150, the CPU 101 determines whether a password is input. TheCPU 101 determines that a password is input upon selection of the OKbutton 452. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that a password isnot input (NO in step S7150), the CPU 101 repeats the processing in stepS7150 until a password is input. In a case where the CPU 101 determinesthat a password is input (YES in step S7150), the processing proceeds tostep S7100. If the cancel button 453 is pressed, the processing canproceed to step S6010 illustrated in FIG. 6.

In step S7100, the CPU 101 determines whether the checker is registeredin the user database 501. In a case where the CPU 101 determines thatthe checker is registered in the user database 501 (YES in step S7100),the processing proceeds to step S7110. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the checker is not registered in the user database 501(NO in step S7100), the processing proceeds to step S7160.

In step S7110, the CPU 101 stores the checker's user name in the HDD 105as information to be stored in a transmission history database(described below). Then, the processing proceeds to step S6050illustrated in FIG. 6.

In step S7160 (NO in step S7100), the CPU 101 displays on the operationunit 104 an error screen indicating that the checker is not a validchecker. Then, the processing proceeds to step S7050.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described again below. Instep S6050, the CPU 101 issues a management number to add thetransmission history record of a transmission job to be newly executedto the transmission history database and stores the management number inthe transmission history database. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating anexample of a transmission history database. In addition to themanagement number, a transmission history database 801 includes starttime, a destination, a sender, a checker, a communication sheet count,and a communication result.

In step S6060, the CPU 101 stores the management number issued in stepS6050 in the transmission history database 801 and, in association withthe management number, stores start time, a destination, a sender, and achecker of the transmission job that has been determined at this timingin the transmission history database 801. More specifically, the CPU 101acquires the present time from the timer 107 and, in association withthe management number issued in step S6050, stores the acquired presenttime in the column of start time. The CPU 101 acquires the destinationset in step S6015 and, in association with the management number issuedin step S6050, stores the acquired destination in the column ofdestination. The CPU 101 also stores the sender's user nameauthenticated in step S3050 or S3120 illustrated in FIG. 3 in the columnof sender. The CPU 101 stores the checker's user name stored in stepS7110 in the column of checker. These pieces of information aredetermined before reading a document sheet, and therefore can be storedin the transmission history database 801 at this timing.

In step S6070, the CPU 101 executes a transmission job. Processing instep S6070 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 8.The processing in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 8 is implemented insuch a manner that the CPU 101 loads a program stored in the ROM 102into the RAM 103 and then executes the program.

In step S8010, the CPU 101 prepares in the RAM 103 a document sheetcounter (variable) for counting the number of document sheets andinitializes the value of the document sheet counter to 0.

In step S8020, the CPU 101 instructs the scanner 111 to read a documentsheet based on the detailed settings. The scanner 111 starts conveyingthe first document sheet set on the ADF according to an instruction, andreads the image of the conveyed document sheet to generate image datarepresenting the image of the read document sheet. The CPU 101 storesthe generated image data in the HDD 105.

In step S8030, to count the number of document sheets, the CPU 101increments the value of the document sheet counter stored in the RAM 103by one.

In step S8040, the CPU 101 determines whether the ADF has the successivedocument sheet by using a document detection sensor provided on the ADF.In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the ADF has the successivedocument sheet (YES in step S8040), the processing proceeds to stepS8020. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the ADF does not havethe successive document sheet (NO in step S8040), the processingproceeds to step S8050.

In step S8050, the CPU 101 transmits the image data stored in the HDD105 to the destination input in step S6015 via the modem 108 and the NCU109.

The present exemplary embodiment has been described above using anexample of memory transmission in which, after all the document sheetshave been read, image data of the first document sheet is transmitted.However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, andcan perform direct transmission in which, after each document sheet hasbeen read and transmitted, the successive document sheet is read andtransmitted.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6 will be described again below. Instep S6080, the CPU 101 stores the value of the document sheet counterin the RAM 103 counted in step S8030, as the communication sheet count,in association with the management number in the transmission historydatabase 801 issued in step S6050. The CPU 101 stores the communicationresult in the column of the communication result in association with themanagement number issued in step S6050. When image transmission for thelast document sheet is completed without an error occurrence, “OK” isstored as the communication result. If an error occurs before imagetransmission for the last document sheet is completed, “NG” is stored.

Through the above-described procedure, a transmission job is executedand a transmission history is stored in the HDD 105. The followingdescribes processing for displaying a transmission history screen basedon the transmission history database 801 stored in the HDD 105 andprinting a transmission result report.

<Displaying Transmission History Screen and Printing Transmission ResultReport>

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing for displaying atransmission history screen and printing a transmission result report.The processing in the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 12 is implemented insuch a manner that the CPU 101 loads a program stored in the ROM 102into the RAM 103 and then executes the program.

In step S9010, the CPU 101 determines whether a request for displayingthe history screen is received via the operation unit 104. In a casewhere the CPU 101 determines that the request for displaying the historyscreen is not received (NO in step S9010), the CPU 101 repeatsprocessing in step S9010 until the request is received. In a case wherethe CPU 101 determines that the request for displaying the historyscreen is received (YES in step S9010), the processing proceeds to stepS9020.

In step S9020, the CPU 101 reads transmission history information of thetransmission history database 801 stored in the HDD 105. In this case,the CPU 101 reads the transmission history information for the number ofrecords that can be displayed at one time on one screen.

In step S9030, the CPU 101 merges the sender's information and thechecker's information, each of which are stored in association with amanagement number included in the transmission history information. Morespecifically, the CPU 101 merges these pieces of information to achievethe format of the “sender (checker)”.

In step S9040, the CPU 101 generates a history screen including thesender's information and the checker's information merged with eachother.

In step S9050, the CPU 101 displays the history screen generated in stepS9040 on the operation unit 104. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating anexample of a transmission history screen. A transmission history screen880 includes columns of start time, transmission destination, sender(checker), management number, communication sheet count, andcommunication result. One record corresponds to one transmission job.The transmission history screen 880 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes aprint button 881 and a close button 882.

In step S9060, the CPU 101 determines whether a printing request isreceived via the print button 881. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the printing request is received (YES in step S9060),the processing proceeds to step S9070. In a case where the CPU 101determines that the printing request is not received (NO in step S9060),the processing proceeds to step S9090.

In step S9090, the CPU 101 determines whether the close button 882 ispressed. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the close button882 is not pressed (NO in step S9090), the processing proceeds to stepS9060. In a case where the CPU 101 determines that the close button 882is pressed (YES in step S9090), the processing proceeds to step S9100.

In step S9070, the CPU 101 generates a transmission result report basedon the transmission result database 801 stored in the HDD 105.

In step S9080, the CPU 101 instructs the printer 112 to print thegenerated transmission result report on a sheet. FIG. 14 is a diagramillustrating an example of a transmission result report. A transmissionresult report 802 includes columns of start time, transmissiondestination, sender (checker), management number, and communicationsheet count. One record corresponds to one transmission job.

In step S9100 (YES in step S9090), the CPU 101 instructs the operationunit 104 to end display of the transmission history screen 880. In thisprocess, the CPU 101 displays a screen that is displayed beforereceiving the request for displaying the transmission history screen 880in step S9010.

The above-described control enables, with reference to the transmissionhistory screen 880 or the transmission result report 802, easilyidentifying afterwards who has checked the destination for eachtransmission job as a checker.

Even without a complicated procedure in which a checker enters thechecker's signature into a record book and manages the signed recordbook, the above-described procedure enables, by operating the MFP 100,easily checking afterwards who has confirmed the transmissiondestination of image data as a checker.

The above-described procedure also enables checking afterwards whether achecker, different from a sender, has confirmed a destination for eachtransmission job.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the CPU 101 receives aninstruction for printing transmission history information by the user,and prints a transmission history result report based on thetransmission history information according to the received outputinstruction. However, the above-described exemplary embodiment is notlimited thereto. The CPU 101 can determine whether a predeterminednumber of transmission history items are stored and, upon determinationthat the predetermined number of transmission history items is stored,print a transmission history result report. The CPU 101 can alsodetermine whether a predetermined time has come, and upon determinationthat the predetermined time has come, print a transmission historyresult report.

Although the exemplary embodiment has been described above using anexample of a facsimile transmission job, the exemplary embodiment isalso applicable to an E-mail transmission job. In this case, thedestination is not a telephone number but a mail address. In the case ofE-mail, determination of whether the destination is an external line oran extension in step S6030 can be skipped.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) can also be realized by a computer of a system orapparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions(e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which mayalso be referred to more fully as a ‘non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium’) to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or that includes one or more circuits(e.g., application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) for performingthe functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s), andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or morecircuits to perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more processors (e.g.,central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and mayinclude a network of separate computers or separate processors to readout and execute the computer executable instructions. The computerexecutable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example,from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include,for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, anoptical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD),or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and thelike.

While exemplary embodiments have been described, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplaryembodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded thebroadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications andequivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2016-016368, filed Jan. 29, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication apparatus comprising: an inputunit configured to receive a transmission destination; a firstacquisition unit configured to acquire identification information of auser who inputs a transmission destination of image data via the inputunit; a requesting unit configured to request identification informationof a checker of the transmission destination; a second acquisition unitconfigured to acquire the requested identification information of thechecker; and a storage unit configured to store the acquired useridentification information and the acquired checker identificationinformation as transmission history information of the image data.
 2. Acommunication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising anoutput unit configured to output the stored transmission historyinformation.
 3. The communication apparatus according to claim 2,wherein the output unit is a printing unit for printing the storedtransmission history information.
 4. The communication apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the output unit is a display unit fordisplaying the stored transmission history information.
 5. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in response toacquisition of the checker identification information, the image data istransmitted.
 6. The communication apparatus according to claim 1,further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive a transmissionrequest of the image data, wherein, after receipt of the transmissionrequest, the requesting unit requests the checker identificationinformation.
 7. The communication apparatus according to claim 6,further comprising an inquiry unit configured to, after the receipt ofthe transmission request, make an inquiry whether the transmissiondestination has been confirmed.
 8. The communication apparatus accordingto claim 7, further comprising an inhibition unit configured to, afterthe inquiry is made, inhibit transmission of the image data until thetransmission destination has been confirmed.
 9. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an authenticationunit configured to authenticate the user based on the acquired useridentification information.
 10. The communication apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the output unit outputs the acquired useridentification information and the acquired checker identificationinformation in association with each other.
 11. The communicationapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores thereceived transmission destination, the acquired user identificationinformation, and the acquired checker identification information astransmission history information of the image data.
 12. Thecommunication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in a case wherethe received transmission destination is a transmission destination ofan external line, the requesting unit requests the identificationinformation of the checker, and wherein, in a case where the receivedtransmission destination is a transmission destination of an extension,the requesting unit does not request the identification information ofthe checker.
 13. The communication apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the second acquisition unit acquires the identificationinformation of the checker from an IC card via wireless communication.14. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the secondacquisition unit acquires the identification information of the checkerfrom a keyboard.
 15. A method for controlling a communication apparatus,the method comprising: receiving a transmission destination; acquiringidentification information of a user who inputs a transmissiondestination of image data; requesting identification information of achecker of the transmission destination; acquiring the requestedidentification information of the checker; and storing the acquired useridentification information and the acquired checker identificationinformation as transmission history information of the image data.
 16. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computerexecutable instructions for executing a method for controlling acommunication apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a transmissiondestination; acquiring identification information of a user who inputs atransmission destination of image data; requesting identificationinformation of a checker of the transmission destination; acquiring therequested identification information of the checker; and storing theacquired user identification information and the acquired checkeridentification information as transmission history information of theimage data.